Police in Central Province, Solomon Islands, have arrested a 15-year-old juvenile on an allegation of rape that occurred on 11 September 2018 at the Bona settlement area near Burungia Village, Small Gela.
Provincial Police Commander Central Province, Superintendent Patricia Leta says, “It was alleged that in the early evening of 11 September 2018 the victim’s father sent her to Ghumba Village to get money for betel- nuts she left at her uncle’s house in the morning for sale.”
PPC Leta explains: “The victim started running back to her home village which is Burungia. On her way back to the Village she met the suspect along the road at the Bona settlement. However, the suspect caught up with her and allegedly threatened her. He further dragged her into the bush and allegedly raped her.”
The matter was reported to Police and the suspect was arrested on 18 September 2018 and an investigation is currently underway.
PPC Leta says, “The incident has caused widespread outrage in all the surrounding communities. This is totally unacceptable within our Christian communities. This type of cruel act should be condemned.”
She adds, “Community leaders, church leaders, chiefs, youth leaders, women leaders, school teachers and parents must work together to reduce sexual offences in our society.”
“It is high time that we take a leading role to protect our girls and women to reduce it in our beloved province. My good people of Central Province, we need to put a stop to this unacceptable behaviour.”
“I would like to urge all young girls and women, to always avoid going by yourself at night or to isolated places. To all the male youth and men in the province, please respect our girls and women,” says PPC Leta
She emphasises, “Be reminded that rape is a very serious offence under our law which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment if found guilty.”
Source: Press Release, Royal Solomon Islands Police